The celebration spilled through the courtyard like a living thing. Lanterns swayed overhead, casting warm light over long wooden tables cluttered with cups, bottles, and half-eaten food.

Laughter rang freely, unrestrained, echoing off stone walls that had witnessed far too much tension in recent days.

Tonight, that tension was gone.

Zander leaned back in his chair, one arm slung over the backrest, a cup of strong liquor raised high. “To our reckless king,” he announced, voice carrying ...